Recorded in concert at the Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill in Montreal on a single night in 2011, this disc is an impressive solo performance by pianist Matt Herskowitz. He’s got a classical touch, style and penchant on this evening’s material, as his selection of tunes veers towards European artists and modern composers ranging from JS Bach to Dave Brubeck. His delivery and interpretation of the latter’s “Dziekuje” is contemplative and explorative, yet he can also display a joyful lyricism as on Michel Petrucianni’s “Cantabile.” His baroque to bop “Bach a la Jazz” spotlights formidable technique, while his uptown stylings of Gershwin’s “But Not For Me” is upright and sophisticated. He finally lets loose on a hotcha reading of “I’ve Got Rhythm” making a well rounded evening. Impressive and intellectual.
Justin Time Records
www.justin-time.com